Modern Hill Woman

Tree Of Life

I like to have my Christmas tree up by Thanksgiving. Three car loads of Christmas decorations get hauled out of storage, sorted through over a few days’ time, then displayed. I realize I have too much. I overcompensated for being poor as a child, and my house once exploded with Christmas. I’m now at the point where I want to simplify so some things are given to my kids.

My Christmas tree is a source of happiness mixed with sadness and nostalgia. I decorate the tree by myself because I’m usually brought to tears. As each ornament is hung, a memory is unlocked; all reminders of my life throughout the years. Mine isn’t just a Christmas tree, it’s a tree of life.

In the 80’s, I was a young mother with three kids and money was scarce. An old, tattered Sugar Bear ornament that was free in a box of cereal is from that time, as well as wooden angels taken from a baby’s hanging mobile. A Homer Simpson ornament given to my oldest son, but forgotten at my house, reminds me of the last Christmas we spent with him before he was sent away.

There are memories of people who have passed on. A hand-painted Grinch makes me think fondly of my favorite grammar police, Missy. A herd of rustic deer and several specialty ornaments came from Genie’s annual 1/2 price sale. My sister-in-law Becky gave my sisters and me an adornment every year, often handmade.

The years of friendship with my best friend Tracy can be counted by the ornaments gifted through the years. Angels, snowmen, and Santas are from the Video Country girls who grew into amazing women. Each trip I take has a small reminder on the tree. Three little personalized star-shaped Santas grew to 22 grandkids, one great grand-baby and many handmade memories. The motorcycle-riding Santa that plays “Born To Be Wild” is the kids’ favorite. That button must be pushed at least 20 times per visit to Pop and Gram’s.